U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, said members of his Agriculture Advisory Committee recently participated on a conference call with Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas.

The 30-minute phone call covered topics such as the impact of trade on agriculture, farm safety net programs like crop insurance, and what the path forward looks like for the 2018 Farm Bill, according to Kinzinger’s office.

Conaway, who has worked the past three years to draft the bill, took questions directly from Kinzinger’s advisory committee ahead of its consideration by the House of Representatives this week.

“With the farm economy still facing a 52 percent decline, this comprehensive measure is more critical than ever,” Kinzinger said in a press statement. “​This legislation is about standing with our farmers and ranchers. It protects crop insurance, which is vital to the farm safety net, and includes important programs that promote trade and international market development for our commodities. The 2018 Farm Bill also includes programs to help farmers with projects to improve conservation as they work to be good stewards of their lands.

“Additionally, this bill includes reasonable, but meaningful work requirements and the federal investment to get unemployed or underemployed Americans into jobs that will lead to independence and self-sufficiency. As the overall country’s economy continues to grow, we are seeing an increase in job openings across the country and many employers are in need of workers. The Farm Bill encourages job training and provides states with the resources and tools to fill these jobs.”

Adam Kinzinger is a member of the Air National Guard. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or the Department of Defense.